WASHINGTON (AP) — A senior member of the Congressional Black Caucus is pushing formal punishment for Rep. Steve King over his comments about white supremacy. Illinois Democratic Rep. Bobby Rush said Monday that he’ll introduce a censure resolution over the Iowa Republican’s remarks to The New York Times. The paper quoted King as asking how the terms “white supremacy” and “white nationalism” became offensive.

The censure resolution calls for Congress to send the message that it rejects “repugnant and racist behavior.” Rush also called on Republicans to strip King of his committee memberships. Republicans denounced King’s remarks. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said “action” will be taken to punish the lawmaker.

King says he is an advocate for “Western civilization” but denies that he is a racist. He is serving his ninth term.

Two men were arrested on separate drug-related charges Sunday, in Mills County. The Sheriff’s Office reports 56-year old David Lloyd Richey, of Glenwood, was taken into custody at around 11:45-p.m., following a traffic stop by the Mills County K9 Unit near S. Hazel and Arnold Streets, in Glenwood. An investigation and search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of almost 28-grams of Methamphetamine, 23 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and ammunition. Richey was arrested for two counts possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, a drug tax stamp violation, felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His Bond at the Mills County Jail was set at $115,300.

And, at around 3:26-a.m. Sunday, the Mills County K9 Unit stopped a vehicle near S. Locust and Ebaugh Streets, in Glenwood. An investigation and search of the vehicle resulted in the arrest of 20-year old Dalton Gage Pitman, of Lincoln, MO.  Authorities recovered from the vehicle, a .40-caliber handgun and drug paraphernalia. Pitman was taken into custody for carrying weapons and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $2,300.

And, a little after Noon on Friday, 29-year old Kristofor Scott Taylor, of Glenwood, was arrested at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office, on Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree, charge. His bond was set at $2,000.

Des Moines—Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II (R-Greenfield) was sworn into the 88th General Assembly at the Iowa Capitol to represent House District 20 today (Monday). The district was previously represented by Clel Baudler (R-Greenfield) and includes the counties of Adair, Guthrie, and portions of Dallas and Cass.

Representative Ray “Bubba” Sorensen signs his officials papers after taking the oath of office.

Sorensen was also named the Vice Chair of Appropriations and is a part of the Veterans Affairs, Commerce and State Government committees. In a statement, Sorensen said “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent my neighbors and friends across HD 20 here at the capitol. We are ready to get to work in the best interest of our great state,” said Sorensen.

Sorensen is a life-long resident of Adair County in which he operates his business, Sorensen Studios, along with his wife Maria. They are the parents of two children, Independence and Michael. Maria Sorensen will be joining her husband at the Capitol working as his legislative clerk. “Maria and I are really excited to work together in this beautiful and historic building,” Sorensen said.

Atlantic Rising will be hosting the 2nd Annual Trivia Night Fundraiser on Saturday, February 2nd at The Venue. The organization started the event to fundraiser for the Christmas Box program. Ashley Hayes, Atlantic Rising Treasurer, says “Last year’s event was very successful the first year out. We had 13 teams register and were able to raise over $2,000 for the program. We hope to match or exceed that again this year.”

The event will include eight rounds of ten questions each. Categories range from math to music to Saturday Night Live and everything in between. There is a prize awarded to the winning team. Teams are also encouraged to create team themes to add to the fun of the evening. A prize is awarded to the best team theme and is chosen by the staff at The Venue. As an added fundraiser boost, a 50/50 raffle will be going on all night and mulligans can be purchased in a pack of three for $10, one pack per team.

Atlantic Rising is also partnering with Olsen’s BP – Godfather’s Express again to provide a pizza deal. Large single topping pizzas can be ordered for $10 and large supreme pizzas for $12. Pizzas can be ordered upon registration and will be waiting for you at your tables. Also, there will be freshly popped popcorn and a water/coffee station available all night. Cash bar open for all other beverage needs.

For more information on Trivia Night or to register a team, contact Ashley Hayes at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712-243-3017 or visit www.atlanticiowa.com.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Legislature convened the 2019 session today (Monday), with Republicans continuing to hold a majority of seats in the House and Senate. Leaders say property tax reform, privatized Medicaid funding, the method of choosing judges, and training more people for today’s workforce are among issues they’ll consider. The session may be defined by how willing Republican leaders are to push policies strongly supported by their conservative base.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver says GOP lawmakers would pursue a “pro-growth agenda” for businesses, schools and communities. Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds will release her priorities in a Condition of the State address on Tuesday. Further limits on abortion and expansion of gun rights also are likely issues, along with required budget bills.

ATLANTIC – Officials at Cass County Health System report that while the flu season has begun in Cass County, numbers of confirmed cases are still low. Danielle Staiert, Nurse Manager at Atlantic Medical Center, says “We have begun our official flu protocol, which means that we care for patients in a slightly different manner. Our goal is to care for influenza patients, while also making sure to protect other patients from the influenza virus. It’s difficult to do because influenza is very contagious, but with flu protocols put in place, and help from the public, we can all play a part in keeping influenza numbers low.”

If patients think they have come down with influenza, CCHS is asking patients to call the Atlantic Medical Center to talk to the Resource Nurse. A number of factors come into play as to whether or not a patient should be seen by a medical provider. Dr. Todd Bean, Chief Medical Officer, says “For an average, healthy adult with no other risk factors, it’s usually best to stay home. But if it’s less than 48 hours since the onset of symptoms, anti-viral medications may help shorten the duration of the flu.”

If patients are directed to come in for a flu test, or to be seen by a provider, CCHS asks that patients wear a mask upon entering the facility. Dr. Bean said also, “We have free masks at every entrance, and it is critical that our influenza patients wear the mask inside of CCHS. I know that people can feel self-conscious about wearing a mask, but that mask is what helps keep our most vulnerable patients safe. As a healthcare facility, we have lots of patients in the building who are most at risk for flu complications. Newborns, elderly, patients going through chemo – they are all here.”

Patients here for influenza testing will be seated separately from other patients, and will be escorted into a designated exam room for testing. Results will be given over the phone, so that patients can return home as soon as possible. According to Dr. Bean, “Containing the virus is a really key part in keeping our community healthy. With influenza, you’re generally contagious from one day prior to showing symptoms, through the next 5-7 days. So staying home, isolating yourself from others, helps put an end to the virus spreading further.”

During flu season, CCHS officials also remind the public to not visit patients in the hospital if you are not feeling well or have any cold or flu symptoms. If patients have concerns about influenza, or think they have influenza, they should call 712-243-2850. If a person has influenza symptoms and any shortness of breath or breathing difficulty, they should seek medical care right away.